The Use of Hallucinogens in the Treatment of Addiction

Treating drug dependence with hallucinogens shows promise, but earlier research was limited by weak methodology and lack of double-blind, placebo-controlled designs. Interest has revived, especially with ibogaine's apparent anti-craving properties, which may extend to all hallucinogens. Their potential efficacy may involve agonism and antagonism at specific serotonin receptor sites. After a hallucinogen, a positive 'afterglow' lasting weeks to months may be extended by repeated dosing. Ibogaine and LSD have lengthy action periods, but short-acting tryptamines like DMT could be administered in an office setting, suggesting a hallucinogen with superior anti-craving properties and few side effects may be discovered.

Study at a glance

Abstract

AbstractResearch into treating drug dependence with hallucinogens, although promising, ended with questions still unanswered because of varying, in some cases skeptical, methodology and insufficient adherence to a double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Interest is again emerging, especially with the recent patenting in the United States of ibogaine for its apparent anti-craving properties. A review of the literature shows that these properties may be present across the entire family of hallucinogens. Potential efficacy may be tied to their agonism and antagonism at specific serotonin receptor sites. After the administration of a hallucinogen, there is a positive "afterglow" lasting weeks to months which might be extended through repeated dosing. Ibogaine and LSD both have lengthy periods of action, making their application unwieldy. However, tryptamines, such as N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), are so short-acting that they could easily be administered in an office setting. With numerous hallucinogens yet to be tested, a hallucinogen might well be discovered with superior anti-craving properties and non-deleterious side-effect profile.Key Words: LSDIbogaineN.N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT)Therapeutic UseDrug DependenceSerotonin